Blog Tour: Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie

Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie

Book Description:

--1908--

American heiress Clare Herschel made what she hoped was a love match when she married the handsome, witty Emmett Markham, the Earl of Linwood. A little over a year into her marriage, though, Clare finds herself wintering in Sicily—alone. She is sure the mild climate is the answer to avoiding another miscarriage and Emmett’s apparent indifference, so she’s determined to remain in Italy as long as possible. The last person she expects to show up at the villa is her husband, especially when Emmett confesses he’s there to convince her to return to England.

As the only surviving son of a marquess, Emmett has done everything his father has asked of him—even agreeing to run for a seat in the House of Commons. However, this latest task comes with a nearly impossible caveat. He must convince his wife Clare to come back to England with him in order for them to appear to be a happy couple for his political campaigning. Emmett isn’t confident Clare will agree to the plan, though, not when she seems to want nothing to do with him or the life they’d begun building before she abruptly left him for Italy.

When a massive earthquake strikes Messina, Sicily, claiming the lives of thousands, Clare and Emmett must set aside their mutual misgivings about their marriage in order to survive and lend a helping hand to others. But in the wake of the destruction, they begin to realize they’ve been given a chance to decide if their love is stronger than the upheavals of the past. 

AMERICAN HEIRESS SERIES:
Night at the Opera
Beneath an Italian Sky
Among Sand and Sunrise (October 2019)

Review:

Stacy Henrie is a talented author. Her American Heiress Series is fascinating. The world of titles is so far beyond my scope that the idea of traveling from America to England to find a husband with a title is somewhat crazy. But, it sucks me in.

I appreciated the author's notes about the earthquake in Messina, Italy, "one of the worst natural disasters in modern history." She said that many events included in her book are based on actual accounts.

I liked the main characters, although I would have preferred their story to be told chronologically instead of through many flashbacks. I really felt for Clare-she left all she'd known and even though she felt she married for love, having to live up to the expectations of society and her overbearing in-laws, in addition to health issues, would have taken a toll on anyone.

This is a clean, quick read, and eye opening with the historical setting.

Tour Schedule:

April 22nd - Heidi Reads

April 23rd - Peggy Urry

April 24th - The Bibliophile Files / Min Reads and Reviews

April 25th - Getting Your Read On / Katie’s Clean Book Collection / My Book a Day

April 26th - Wishful Endings / Literary Time Out / Singing Librarian Books

Title: Beneath an Italian Sky
Author: Stacy Henrie
Publisher: Mirror Press
Published: April 2019
ISBN: 1947152599
Source: I received an eCopy from the tour host in exchange for an honest review.
 

Purchase: Amazon

Blog Tour: Wizard for Hire: Apprentice Needed by Obert Skye

Wizard for Hire: Apprentice Needed by Obert Skye

Book Description:

Ozzy Toffy’s adventure, which began in Wizard for Hire, continues when one dark and windy night, he gets out of bed, jumps out his window, and walks straight into the ocean.

More than ever, Ozzy could really use the services of Rin, the wizard he hired to help find his parents—but Rin is missing, despite Ozzy’s continual attempts to contact him. And Clark, the mechanical bird his father left him, is as peculiar and vain as ever.

When a mysterious package arrives, Ozzy and his good friend Sigi are sure that the plane ticket and thumb drive they find inside are from Rin. Trying to get Clark through security at the airport proves complicated—as most things are with Clark. But when they arrive in New York, they discover there’s even more adventure in store for them.

Will Rin return and save the day? Will Ozzy figure out why he keeps walking into the ocean? Can Sigi find a way to trust her delinquent father? Will someone please appreciate Clark the way he’d like to be appreciated? For once?

Wizard for Hire: Apprentice Needed is a story filled with humor and excitement that shows us the magic in everyday things.

Collin's Review:

This book was hard to read. . .but only because my kids kept taking it and were reading it every time I tried to. From my kid's reactions, and my own views, this book is well worth the read.  Even now, as I write this review, I went to go grab the book to look over some parts for a better description, and the book had once again disappeared in to the clutches of my daughter.

Obert Skye's descriptions and dialog are wacky and off the wall as usual.  Just like the first book, we are left guessing until the end if Rin really is a wizard, or is just crazy like everyone assumes. However, the twist at the end caught me way off guard.  I can't wait until the next book in the series!  There is a lot more to this story than was revealed in the first book for sure!

Rorie & Braden's Review:

I enjoy Obert Skye's writing, and it's always fun to dive into another one of his adventures. He has a quirky sense of humor and I laugh out loud several times when I'm reading his books. I'm glad that I have been able to introduce him to my kids who just devour the books. My 10-year-old especially was looking forward to getting the newest installment of Wizard for Hire. Here's his review:

I liked Apprentice Needed. It was a very good book. I would recommend it for everyone. 

I like how the author makes Rin so funny. He makes Rin a real wizard that no one believes in. I love that almost every part is funny. I love how Clark likes anything metal.

Tarah's Review:

 This is a book were I was left with more questions than answers, but I was strangely okay with that. That would normally drive me nuts, but it didn't with this book. All it did was make me excited for book 3. 

I enjoyed how we got to know Ozzy a little better, and how Sigi's personality was able to shine in this book. I will admit that I struggled with Rin. This probably suggests that I've lost all ability for magic in my life, but I just kept thinking, "dead-beat dad" whenever Sigi would try to talk to him and he wouldn't respond unless he was spouting what he read on motivational plaques. I did like him more toward the end, but I could feel the frustration that both Ozzy and Sigi had with him. Ozzy wanted to believe him, but it was a struggle.

My kids loved this book, and already went back and reread the first one. I imagine that they will be picking this one up again in the near future.

Title: Wizard for Hire: Apprentice Needed
Author: Obert Skye
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: April 2019
ISBN: 1629725293
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
 

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd

A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd

Book Description:

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaii, and he taught her everything he knows how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiancé, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook's translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John's guilt over the death he caused, and Maile's guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle a secret she's kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.

Rorie's Review:

What an enjoyable story. I have visited Hawaii several times, and absolutely love it there. I have heard a bit about the story of Captain James Cook, and I think I learned about the story of the battle on the cliffs as well (unless there was more than one battle that ended that way...) and this story helped humanize and bring to life these events. This is one reason why I enjoy reading historic fiction so much.

I really enjoyed riding along while the relationship between Maile and John developed. She was such a strong woman, and I can't even imagine how hard it was for her to heal and care for the very person that killed her fiance, but she was able to (eventually) look past the horror of that battle and get to know the real John Harbottle.

This was one of those stories that I had a hard time putting down. I have read a few of Ilima's other books, and she definitely has a talent for telling a story and bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend this book - especially to my friend, who shares the same name as the main character. :)

Andrea's Review:

A Song for the Stars is an excellent addition to the Proper Romance line from Shadow Mountain. It is quite different from the other books in the line, but a wonderfully written account that kept me intrigued. I loved that the main characters were the author's fourth-great-grandparents.

I don't recall having known about how Captain James Cook was killed. The author does note that she adjusted some things for the sake of the story, but much of what was shared (both about Cook and the history of the people) was eye opening and makes me want to learn more.

This is very different from Todd's dystopian novels, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't help but think of Moana and Pocahontas (the Disney versions) while I was reading the book. I loved the strong female lead, and the sweet romance that developed (against the odds). I'm looking forward to reading this again.

Tarah's Review:

I have never read a story set in the Hawaiian Islands, let alone where the main character is Hawaiian. I loved it. I loved delving into the culture (why couldn't the women eat bananas? I'm going to have to google that...I don't think it ever said why). My favorite thing about this story though, was how Maile and John were both able to look past their selves and see the why of the other culture. How great is it that even though one culture does something horrifying, after a moment of feeling that horror, John was able to ask the reason behind it and find out the love and respect that comes from the gesture instead of the first impression. Maile does the same thing, even when she doesn't agree with what's going on. She jumps onboard and makes it work by seeing others and how things could be. I just loved those moments in the story (and there were many).

I will admit that I struggled with the point of view for the first quarter of the book. I'm not sure why. It seemed a little choppy way to tell the story, although normally I don't mind a story like that. It's quite possible I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it, but after a little bit I got into story and forgot about the point of view.

This was a beautiful story, set in a beautiful setting, and I can't wait to read more from this author, and I can't wait to read this particular story again.

Title: A Song for the Stars

Author: Ilima Todd
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: April 2019
ISBN:1629725285
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book 

Blog Tour: Miss Adeline's Match by Joanna Barker

Reviews * Giveaway

Miss Adeline's Match by Joanna Barker

Book Description:

Miss Adeline Hayes is the perfect lady's companion: pleasant, conversational, and unceasingly proper. But when her closest friend, Charity Edgeworth, breaks off her arranged marriage without explanation, even Adeline's superior skills are put to the test. Charity's father banishes the two young women to the country, sending Adeline with a charge to find Charity a husband or suffer dire consequences.

As Adeline takes on the role of reluctant matchmaker, she discovers more than one obstacle in her path. Not only does Charity prefer escaping in books to socializing, but Adeline soon finds her own attentions distracted by the standoffish--and irritatingly handsome--Mr. Evan Whitfield. Amidst an eventful foxhunt and the unexpected arrival of Charity's former betrothed, Adeline simply doesn't have time for a battle of wits with Evan. But the two are continually drawn together until Adeline begins to question her tightly guarded convictions about love and marriage.

However, when secrets are revealed and truths made known, Adeline must face her most fearsome obstacle yet: herself.

Rorie's Review:

This is the author's second novel, and she hit a home run with this one. (Sorry, we're sleeping, breathing and eating baseball over here right now. It's on the brain.) I was drawn into the story right away and had a hard time putting it down. Adeline is a likeable "mother-hen" character, and she has devoted her life to helping Charity manage hers...even when she shouldn't be. She is so determined to keep Charity safe and secure that she doesn't take into account what would really make Charity happy. 

Evan has a very gruff exterior, especially at first, but he still comes across as a likeable character, especially once we see the little things that he is always doing for other people.  

Have you ever yelled at a character in a story? Well, I did in this one. Adeline makes a pretty big judgment call and I could very clearly see just how wrong it could go. I really appreciated how the author does not let her off the hook easy at all, and let's be honest, I'm having a really hard time writing about this without giving out any spoilers, so you'll just have to read the book. 

The romance was sweet and the story line flowed well. I felt like the author did a great job letting us get to know all of the characters. This book is definitely a keeper.

Andrea's Review:

Miss Adeline's Match is a very enjoyable read. I didn't like the cover at all and would probably pass by it on a shelf, but if you find yourself feeling the same way, ignore the cover and dive in. It is a quick, clean read and I was so intrigued by what had happened for Charity to call off her engagement. And also how Adeline would handle things with her closest friend amidst the pressure given by her employer.

Adeline seemed to be a very good friend, until she wasn't. One decision she made (although she had good intentions) was so cringe worthy. The author really did a great job of keeping me interested in how that decision would turn out.

I liked the relationship between Adeline and Evan. It started out very rocky and grew at a fairly realistic pace. I enjoyed reading about their growth (both individually and as a couple) throughout the story.

I can see myself reading this book again.

Tarah's Review:

Every time I opened this book I got excited about what was going to come (expect when I started. I admit the cover slowed me down. It isn't my favorite in the world and I hesitated to pick up the book). I loved reading about a strong female character that knew, and enjoyed, her way around society. I also enjoyed Charities character that didn't, and would prefer to read. A lot of regency stories are about women who don't quite fit into their time, and while I do enjoy those (quite a bit actually), I found it refreshing that Adeline fit her "mold"...or at least knew how to navigate it.

The book was fairly predictable to me once Adeline made her bad decision regarding Charity. I'm okay with that though. I like knowing where a book it going. Also, Evan really reminded me of Mr. Darcy with his cranky attitude toward people and his quiet acts of service. He does get more likeable than Mr. Darcy though, for which I was grateful. I never quite understood the draw there regarding Mr. Darcy, but to each her own.

I can definitely see myself reading this one again, and will happily put it on my bookshelf for others to read as well.

Tour Dates:

*April 1^st: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, https://brightlystreet.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/,

*April 2^nd: http://empowermoms.net/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/, https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/

*April 3^rd: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*April 4^th: http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ , https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ , http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

*April 5^th: https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/ , http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Miss Adeline's Match

Author: Joanna Barker
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: April 2019
ISBN:1524408808
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book